War Machine to stay behind bars until trial for brutal beating

Former mixed martial artist Jonathan Koppenhaver, also known as War Machine, must remain behind bars while he awaits trial on several charges in connection with an attack on his ex-girlfriend and another man, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Prosecutors have alleged that Koppenhaver brutally beat former adult film actress Christy Mack, whose real name is Christine Mackinday, and her friend Corey Thomas. Koppenhaver faces 34 counts at a trial scheduled for September.

Among the charges against War Machine, also known as Jonathan Koppenhaver, are two counts of attempted murder — a charge that carries a possible sentence of life in prison without parole.

The ex-Bellator MMA and Ultimate Fighting Championship fighter was arrested after the Aug. 8 assault on Mack and Thomas and has been in custody since.

In court Wednesday, defense lawyer Brandon Sua tried to argue that Koppenhaver never intended to kill Mackinday or Thomas, and asked District Judge Elissa Cadish to throw out those charges. But the judge said she believed there was enough circumstantial evidence to show Koppenhaver’s intent.

At one point during the hearing, Koppenhaver, 33, spoke out and said he wanted to take a polygraph test, which the judge promptly denied.

Koppenhaver has been held at the High Desert State Prison since December, when another judge revoked his probation in a separate case.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact reporter David Ferrara at dferrara@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-1039. Find him on Twitter: @randompoker